LOCAL

LOCAL
Help with buying a home
The Community Action Agency of Columbiana County Inc. has funding available to assist low-income households purchase a home in Columbiana County.
Participants under these programs will receive housing counseling services, and eligible participants will receive downpayment/closing cost assistance.
Applicants must meet income eligibility and have an acceptable credit history.
For more information, call CAA at (330) 424-4013.
MISC.
Before remodeling, armyourself with questions
We've all heard the home-remodeling horror stories. Some of us have even experienced the horror firsthand. To avoid a home-remodeling disaster and be assured of quality service, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends a list of questions every homeowner should ask contractors. Here are a few:
UHow long has your company been in business?
UDo you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?
UWho will be working on my project? Are they your employees or are some subcontractors?
UHow many projects like mine have you done in the past year? Could you provide me with references from those?
UAre you a member of a national trade association?
UHave you or your employees been certified in remodeling?
For more tips, call (800) 611-NARI to request a free copy of the brochure "How to Select a Remodeling Professional" or visit www.remodeltoday.com to download a copy.
Try this oil-stain trickto eliminate blotches
If you've ever tried staining wood and wound up with a blotchy finish, you have experienced understandable frustration.
Blotches result from the various densities on the surface of the wood that's being stained.
Here's a trick you'll appreciate. To get a more-even appearance when using oil stain, begin with a natural or clear coat. The clear finish will fill the softer, more porous areas of the surface. These areas of the wood will accept stain more in keeping with the harder areas of the surface.
And, you don't have to wait for the first coat to dry; once the clear coat has been spread, you can apply the stain coats.
But remember that this technique applies only to oil staining.
Jeweler's new line
Kenneth Jay Lane has long been known as jeweler to the stars, having designed pieces for Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. And now he's venturing into new territory, creating his own Home Gift Collection of jewelry-inspired frames, napkin rings, votive candle holders, place-card holders and boxes, all available to the public.
Animals and other critters feature prominently in his jewelry as well as this collection. Taken from his Hinged Giraffe bracelet are the Giraffe Napkin Rings. A set of two is $45.
Items are available at fine specialty and gift stores. To find a store, call (877) 231-2949.
Composting helps makemanure safe for garden
Q. Is it true that you shouldn't use any animal manure for your vegetable garden or fruit trees because the animal matter could contain the E. coli bacterium? I know several people who put cow manure on their vegetable gardens and was wondering if this is safe.
A. Researchers say fresh manure should not be used on edible crops because of the danger of infection with E. coli and other bacteria. However, cow manure that is well-composted is considered safe to use.
Don't confuse composted manure with manure that's just aged, however. For pathogens to be killed, the compost needs to reach a heat of 130 or 140 degrees for five days or more, according to the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. (Compost piles heat naturally as the materials decompose, as long as the composting process is done properly.) The extension service recommends letting the compost cure for another two to four months after that heating phase to let beneficial microbes destroy any disease pathogens that may remain.
Never use cat, dog or pig manure in gardens or compost piles, because they may contain parasites that can survive the composting process.
Of course, vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating.
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